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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method and apparatus for igniting underground formations

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5918404
This self-contained downhole igniter for heating an underground formation so that combustion may be started uses charcoal briquettes as fuel. The briquettes are ignited and burned to generate heat and raise the temperature of the formation above the ignition point. Air is injected to support combustion of the charcoal and to ignite the heated formation. The apparatus is constructed to assure that ignition will result without overheating the well casing or liner, which could cause the casing or liner to collapse. (7 claims)
Assignee:
Chevron Research Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3376928
OSTI ID:
5918404
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English